When people think of “steps” and addiction, their mind often goes right to the “Twelve Steps” of recovery. However, these are not the only “steps” that one must take when they are trying to get sober and overcome addiction. This is especially true when they are first trying to get sober and may have never even heard about the Twelve Steps before. These initial steps are acknowledgment, acceptance, and action. When these are taken, then the real work of recovery can truly begin.
Acknowledging I Have an Issue With Addiction
Many people who struggle with addiction have difficulty with the idea that they have an addiction almost as much as they do with the alcohol and/or substances that they are addicted to. These are the people who are not ready to acknowledge that they have a problem with addiction.
It is this lack of acknowledgment that keeps many people from overcoming their addiction. If they cannot acknowledge that they have a problem, it becomes very hard to acknowledge that they need help for that problem.
Some people acknowledge that they have a problem, but are not willing to accept help from anyone else to do something about it. These are the people that try to overcome addiction on their own. The reality is that some of these people will be successful in their solo journey of recovery, but many more people are not. These are the people who must accept that they need outside help with their addiction issues.
Accepting I Have an Issue With Addiction
For people who want to overcome addiction, acceptance is a crucial step. It is what opens people up to the reality that the path they are currently on is only going to end in devastation. As they often say in 12-Step recovery, it is only going to lead to “institutions, jails, or possibly the grave.”
However, some people can accept that they have a problem, but are unable to capitalize on that acceptance. These are the people who are either unwilling or unable to do something about their addiction. They are unable to take the actions needed to get well.
Taking Action to Overcome Addiction
Talking about addiction and doing something about it are two wholly different things. One can fully acknowledge that they have a problem and accept that they have a problem, but not know what to do next.
This is why reaching out to others can be so beneficial when these other two steps have occurred. They will be able to guide the individuals through the next actions they need to take. However, some people try to be their own recovery guides and have found little success.
Can I Overcome Addiction on My Own?
As previously mentioned, there is a saying in recovery that refers to taking an “easier, softer way.” For some people, this means ignoring that they have a problem and avoiding the work that they must do to address the trauma that often comes with a life of addiction. This can be an uncomfortable choice, to say the least.
Yet, for other people, the “easier, softer” way is accepting help from others and not trying to overcome addiction on their own. Overcoming addiction can be both physically and emotionally taxing. This is why the support of professionals and peers is often so integral to a healthy recovery.
When it comes to the initial physical side of recovery, it is important to remember that the detox process can be very intense and in some instances can even be harmful if not done properly. Overcoming addiction with professionals is highly recommended at this stage. When it comes to the emotional side of recovery, connecting with others who understand the process can also be vital.
The Benefits of Connection for Recovery
There is a reason that many people call recovery a “we program, rather than a me program.” This is because surrounding oneself with other people in recovery offers a level of recovery “expertise” and shared experience that one could never attain trying to overcome addiction on their own.
Connecting with others in recovery also ensures that an individual stays committed to their recovery and keeps them accountable to their plan of action. Essentially, connecting to other people in recovery may be the best way to ensure long-term sobriety and success.
Helping to Overcome Addiction at Lantana Recovery
There is a statement that is often read at 12-Step recovery meetings entitled, “Acceptance is the Answer.” It begins, “Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation – some fact of my life – unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.”
Here at Lantana Recovery, we are ready and able to help with that essential level of acceptance to overcome addiction. Because, we know when we do that, the level of serenity that can be reached is more precious than anything else in the world.
Many people try to get sober on their own. While it may work for some, for many others it does not. These people need to work with other people as they go through their recovery process. Doing so is often the “easier, softer way,” and can help establish long-term recovery rather than short-term sobriety. It is also true that initially trying to recover on one’s own can be dangerous as the detox process can be very taxing both emotionally and physically. If you feel like you or someone you love may need help with issues of addiction or mental illness, we can help. For more information, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
